Tag Archives: akron beautification watch awards

Keep Akron Beautiful volunteers are out canvassing Akron neighborhoods in search of homes and businesses with yards that stand out in the neighborhood as a litter-free, well-maintained garden paradise with flowers, trees and shrubs.

So far, several people have raved about a couple of businesses in the area that have made it all that more wonderful to shop, dine, live, and/or work in those areas because of their sidewalk gardens.

Zeber-Martell Clay Studio in the northside district is one of those businesses. With an added touch of whimsical art to make you smile, it is a truly a delightful site.

In fact, Chris, who works at Incite Creative, also at 43 Furnace Street, sent us a photo of it (at right) and said the Zeber-Martell storefront garden is, “one of the most beautiful little gardens in Akron. I work upstairs in the same building, and I’ve seen how appreciative all the visitors to the neighborhood are.”

Another business is Savoir Faire florist and event planners at Pilgrim Square.

Savoir Faire at Pilgrim Square shopping center on West Market Street, Fairlawn. Picture from Savoir Faire website, about us page.

We’ve heard that Bradley Plaster has taken it upon himself to make the triangle in front of the Pilgrim Square business area as beautiful as the bouquets that the business, Savoir-Faire, creates inside!

Thank you to all the businesses that help Keep Akron Beautiful, and watch the mail for your award in September.

Nominate Someone for a Beautification Watch Award

Yes, you can absolutely nominate a neighbor or business for a Beautification Watch Award. In fact, our volunteers drive through Akron neighborhoods only. They will not leave their car to look in the backyards of homes. So, if you are impressed by a neighbor’s yard (front or back), make sure to nominate them for the Keep Akron Beautiful Beautification Watch Award.

Nominations are accepted through mid August. Just call Cindy at 330.375.2116 option 1 or email us at keepakronbeautiful@akronohio.gov. Just make sure to tell us the address of the home or business you would like to nominate (include house or building number and street name – zip code not necessary) and I will surely put it on the list. Certificates go out some time in September.

Donnie Kammer, Councilman, Ward 7, checked in on one of his mature constituents, and was shown, with gleaming pride, a wall full of 15 awards! We are so glad he shared this picture.

And there are more Beautification Watch Award stories…read actual quotes from emails and notes from Akron residents below.

Sharing and Trading Plants and Ideas

In an email from a resident who asked to remain nameless if we mentioned this: We have a friend, for whom life is difficult and who lives in another part of the city, who was really thrilled to receive her certificate. I know she has put a lot of thought and effort over many years into developing and maintinaing her small yard and garden. It’s an activity she really enjoys. We have traded plants and ideas over the years.

Beautification/Environmental Education: A Family Event

An email from Dolores: Our 11 year old grandaughter Alexandra planted the flowers under my supervision, You made her day. Your letter is framed and hangs in our home. We appreciate all the work you do to make Akron beautiful.

Enthusiasm About Others

An email from Michael: Is there a public list of properties that received the award available? I would love to drive around and see some of the other awardees!

(The answer to this is, by the way, is no, but our Keep Akron Beautiful can Beautification Watch Award volunteers would say that a drive or walk through Akron neighborhoods sure makes for a beautiful summertime event.)

More Akron Pride

An email from Sally: I believe that it is a pleasure to be a responsible homeowner in Akron, so I thank you for your efforts in caring for our outstanding city.

An email from Johnn: Keep up the good work. We’re making progress every year on getting flowers planted, yards maintained, and developing a cleaner, more livable city. It’s so much improved over the years since we arrived in 1969.

Note from Jan and Rich: My husband and I are “house proud” so we love being honored by you. And, we love Akron!

A note from Sandra: It is nice to know that one’s gardening is enjoyed by others. Thanks for the award. Thanks to you and your staff that keeps all of Akron beautiful.

Note from Robert: Thank you for the award. I am flattered. I am a native of Akron, born in 1920, and never left town except for 4 years in the AAF during WWII. I love Akron.

Note from Beth and Bob: We work hard on keep it clean, planting flowers, no weeds. We do not pay anyone to do anything. We do it all ourselves and enjoy it. Thank you so much!

Note from Madeline (who tells us she is 85): The yard is the one thing I take pride in, and keeps me going.

We enjoyed hearing from you. All of your cards, letters and emails were forwarded to Don Mittiga, Mayor Plusquellic, Marco Sommerville, Eric Jones and/or Paula Davis as you requested, all of whom were touched.

Beautification Watch Awards are being stuffed and sent out this week! What a record year for Keep Akron Beautiful–we are sending out 5,000 Beautification Watch Awards! Make sure to keep checking your mail box–you may have been selected by one of the Keep Akron Beautiful volunteers for a Beautification Watch Award. Thank you for all that you do to keep your yard blooming and litter free!

Keep Akron Beautiful would like to give a special ‘thank you’ to all of our hardworking Beautification Watch Volunteers for all of their help! We couldn’t have done this without you!

Want to see more photos of beautiful Akron flowerscapes and Adopt-A-Sites like the one at left?